THE Singapore Grand Prix was an eye-opener for me and my family.

It was the first F1 event I had attended since watching the race in Barcelona in 1990.

Credit must go to the organisers and sponsors for having staged such a massive, elaborate event in such a short period of time.

I would like to make a few suggestions on how to improve conditions for next year?s race.

While there may have been many proposals from both the F1 teams and drivers about making adjustments to the track, the track is a unique feature. Therefore, minimal changes should be made to it.

For the backdrop at the Marina Bay floating platform, it would be great to build a helipad and temporary seating for those who wish to arrive by helicopter.

Security guards deployed around the circuit could be trained as guides. This would be helpful for foreigners who are unclear about directions.

The temporary tent behind the Baystand area created a bottle- neck.

On the second night, this area was closed for at least 15 minutes when the crowd was making its way out after the race, and this led to considerable delay.

Pathways leading to the stands were unattractive. The organisers could pave the area behind the stands for easy access.

The SingTel Grid Girls who were walking in line to their reporting area after their performance looked tired and uninterested.

Where were the smiles?

This was in stark contrast to the girls at the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, who danced and smiled throughout.

Operating hours of trains should be extended. It was announced prior to the race that trains would run until 1.30am on the nights the race was being held.

On the second night, I parked my car at the Singapore Expo, but was shocked upon arriving at Tanah Merah MRT Station at 11.50pm to hear over the PA that the last train had left.

Mr Andrew Wong Cien Theng

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